From simple tasks like typing on a keyboard to more complex activities like playing sports, our fingers are integral to almost everything we do. Whether it's the discomfort of trigger finger or the frustration of thumb twitching, these common issues can make even the simplest tasks challenging. Understanding their causes, symptoms, and available treatments is essential for effectively managing these conditions and returning to living without constant discomfort.
With how integral our hands are in our day-to-day activities, it's not surprising that there are problems that can arise.
It can be a bit scary if your finger gets stuck or locked in a position. This condition is known as Trigger Finger. Trigger finger is caused by the tendons in the finger becoming inflamed and thickened, making it difficult for the tendon to move smoothly through its sheath. This can result in the finger getting stuck in a bent position, accompanied by pain, stiffness, and a popping or clicking when moving the finger. For more information, see our blog on trigger finger.
If you have a twitching thumb, it may be a condition called Thumb Twitching. This is involuntary movements of twitches in the thumb. This can be caused by overuse of the thumb muscles, stress, fatigue, or underlying neurological conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or nerve compression. It often presents with weakness, tingling, or numbness in the thumb.
Numbness in fingers can be indicative of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This condition is caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist and can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger. It may be exacerbated by repetitive motions, injury, or underlying health conditions like arthritis. Learn more from our Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 101 blog.
Sometimes inflammation of the joints in your fingers can be caused by Arthritis, either Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis is inflammation of the joints that can affect your fingers and thumb. Osteoarthritis results from degenerative changes in joint cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes joint inflammation. Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Learn more about Hand Arthritis.
That wasn't a typo! Stiff fingers can also be caused by Tendonitis. How do you tell the difference? As mentioned above, the root of stiff fingers with Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons, often due to overuse, repetitive motions, or injury. It commonly presents with pain, swelling, tenderness, or warmth around the affected tendon, along with limited mobility.
If your fingers won't straighten it may be Dupuytren's Contracture, a condition characterized by the thickening of tissue in the palm, leading to fingers being pulled into a bent position. The cause is often unknown but may involve genetic factors, injury, or certain medical conditions. It can result in finger stiffness and an inability to fully straighten the fingers.
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is inflammation of the tendons at the base of the thumb. It typically occurs due to overuse, repetitive thumb movements, or direct injury. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness at the base of the thumb, often accompanied by difficulty gripping or pinching.
Ganglion Cysts are non-cancerous lumps or masses that typically form along the tendons or joints of the wrist or fingers. The cause is often unclear, but they may result from joint or tendon irritation, trauma, or unknown factors. Symptoms include pain or discomfort and a visible lump that may interfere with movement. Read more about Understanding Ganglion Cysts.
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Mallet Finger, also known as Baseball Finger, is caused by an injury to the extensor tendon at the tip of the finger, leading to an inability to fully straighten the fingertip. This often happens due to direct trauma or forceful impact, such as during sports activities.
Jersey Finger is not something that can only happen in New Jersey. Jersey Finger is an injury to the flexor tendon in the finger, typically occurring when forcefully trying to extend the finger while it is flexed. This can happen during sports or physical activities and results in an inability to flex the finger at the distal joint.
These finger conditions, from trigger finger to arthritis, can disrupt your daily routine and cause significant discomfort. While mild cases may respond well to at-home treatments such as rest, ice, splinting, and over-the-counter pain medications, more severe or persistent symptoms may require intervention from an orthopedic surgeon.
If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty performing everyday tasks despite home remedies, it's crucial to seek help from a specialist. Our orthopaedic hand specialists will provide a thorough evaluation, diagnosis, and a tailored treatment plan to address your specific needs. Don't let finger problems hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. Take your first step towards relief and contact us to schedule today. Your fingers will thank you!
This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.
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